Thursday, May 12, 2011

World Showcase ~ Germany

Are your bags
packed? Today I’m taking you on a trip to Germany, located in World Showcase at
Epcot! The Germany pavilion is one of my top favorites. As a little girl, we
got stationed in Bamberg due to my father being military. I loved it. The food,
the architecture and the feeling of being in the midst of a faraway land full
of castles and charm. This is definitely the next best thing.

The Germany Pavilion
depicts scenes out of a storybook. With flower boxed window ledges, stair
stepped rooftops, beautiful balconies and arched entryways, this is one country
not to be missed. Here you will find everything from German style shopping to
food, beer and authentic German souvenirs.

Germany is situated
around St. Georgsplatz; this is the center point of this pavilion; its
cobblestoned walkaways center around the statue in the center; St. George.

Biergarten~ this restaurant is located at the very back of the St. Georgsplatz
center in the Germany pavilion. You can’t miss it. The roof tops of this restaurant are very
much an appeal to the eye, with high pitched roofs that are tiered to the sky;
one can’t miss this jolly restaurant.

If you want a
romantic dinner for two, Biergarten is definitely not the spot to dine in. This
restaurant is a very happy, clap your hands and be jolly type dining
experience. The tables are situated to bring a form of togetherness among
guest; with long tables, one cannot help but strike up a conversation with
fellow diners.

The atmosphere here
is quite the German setting, with scheduled appearances by traditional Bavarian
musicians; you can’t help but think you are in the real country itself. The
host here encourage you get on the dance floor and join in the fun. The musicians
are usually dressed in some form of dirndl or lederhosen. With the sound of
German music and the striking atmosphere, you are definitely guaranteed a jolly
good time at this establishment.

The food here is
presented as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Featuring everything from German
sausages, rotisserie chicken, frankfurters, potato salad, cold dishes of all
kinds, homemade spaetzle and a ton more German specialties. The dessert here is
top notch, including everything from German cheesecake to the famous black forest
cheese cake; you will definitely find something to your liking. Beer drinkers
will love the full size steins they serve the beer in. Spotkan, a dark German
and very popular beer is one to defiantly try. My husband loves it. It is
tradition for us to get one every time we visit. It adds to the whole German
experience.

Reservations at this
restaurant are highly recommended; Book as early as possible, as spots do fill
up quickly. Price ranges from $15 to
$50.00.

Biergarten Restaurant

Sommerfest ~ this quick stand type restaurant serves everything from soft
pretzels, apple strudel, beer, wine, and bratwurst sandwiches. This eatery is
located to the rear of the Germany pavilion with seating located nearby. Reservations
are not needed for this quick stop. Prices range from under $15 to $30.00.

New to the Germany Pavilion

I am so excited
about this new snack establishment located in the Germany pavilion!

This is a brand new
sweet shop that just recently opened in Germany. When visiting this yummy
eatery, you will see Disney Cast members making fresh caramel apples, caramel
corn, marshmallows and strawberries! You
will also find gourmet brownies, cupcakes, cookies and fudge. If you have a
sweet tooth, this is definitely a German spot not to be missed! Check out some
photos! Can you say yummy?

Shopping

The Germany pavilion
has some of the most exquisite shops in World Showcase. You will artificats and
gifts that are sure to please any member of your family. Listed below are the
shops you will find along with some of items they offer.

Der Bucherwurm - Here you will find everything from German steins,
glassware, hand-painted eggs, and all kinds of sundries.

Der Teddybar – I love this store! Here they have all kinds of German toys, dolls,
and my favorite, teddy bears.

Die Weihnachts Ecke - Another favorite of mine! Here you will find
all kinds of German Christmas items, such as ornaments and decorations; to
include the all-time famous “green pickle”!

Kunstarbeit In Kristall – This place has some of the most beautiful
German glassware and crystal around.

Weinkeller - Here you will find all kinds of assorted German wines. I love being
able to do the wine tasting here. Remember, the cost includes a souvenir wine
glass! What a perfect way to get a
souvenir; A nice memory too.

Süssigkeiten - Another favorite! This store offers German steins and various wines.
Some of the steins here are truly amazing. Word is that this shop is to be changing
its name soon.

Volkskunst - My husband loves this store. It offers all kinds of cuckoo clocks
and hand –painted eggs. All of the cuckoo-clocks and eggs are truly a work of
art.

Whatever shop you
choose to venture to, you are sure to find the perfect German keepsake!

I hope all of you enjoyed taking this trip with me to Germany in World
Showcase. It is truly a country that
inspires us all, with its food, culture, amazing detail to design and their
exquisite shops. I hope all of your
Disney adventures include a stop at Germanys pavilion, you won’t be
disappointed!

Don’t forget to
visit Snow White at her new character spot in this pavilion. You will find her
located next to her wishing well.

3 comments:

I love the Germany pavilion! However, on our last trip (a family reunion in 2009) we had a strange experience. My then 4-year old daughter was doing the KidCot craft. In every country, the native worker was happy and pleasant and taught her words in their language. But in Germany, the worker seemed like she'd rather be anywhere else in that moment.

I never got to see the Germany pavilion on my last visit! :(. I think I had one too many in the Rose and Crown and had to stumble back to the hotel. Definately want to visit all of them on the next visit. Great post though.